Odisha Govt Announces 1-Day Menstrual Leave on Independence Day

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Thursday announced a one-day menstrual leave policy for the women employees across the public and private sector. 

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced the initiative during the district-level Independence celebrations in Cuttack. 

The policy aims to support well-being of women and allows them to take an off either on their first or second day of menstrual cycle and will be implemented immediately. 

Bihar and Kerala are the only states that grant menstrual leaves. Bihar initiated the menstrual leave policy in 1992, allowing women two days of paid menstrual leave each month. Kerala introduced menstrual leave for female students in all universities and institutions. Additionally, the state also initiated up to 60 days of maternity leave for female students over 18.

Private companies like Zomato have also embraced menstrual leaves. Recently conversations surrounding menstrual leave policies have emerged.

 Although the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill, 2022, proposes a three-day menstrual leave for women and transwomen without any pay cut, the bill is yet to be enacted. 

The central government was asked by the Supreme Court to devise a model policy on menstrual leave for women employees. 

However, there is no national law governing menstrual leave in India. Previously attempts have been made to pass related bills, such as the Menstruation Benefits Bill, 2017, and the Women’s Sexual, Reproductive, and Menstrual Rights Bill, 2018, have not been successful.

This initiative by the Odisha government marks a major step forward in the betterment of working women.